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It should be easy to dismiss Sarah Palin as a joke. She is one of the least substantive figures in American politics, and every time she opens her mouth, she proves that she has no depth, no ideas, and no clue. It’s no surprise that she and Rush Limbaugh are so close — they rival only each other in their ability to turn the absurd into headlines.
So, it SHOULD be easy to dismiss her as a joke. However, Republicans would be mistaken to do so.

Palin’s ability to grab headlines and position herself as THE leading voice of the Republican party demonstrates just how deep the GOP’s problems are. The lack of any cohesive Republican message has left a huge void among the party’s activists — a void that Palin has easily stepped in to fill. Republican leaders in the House and Senate are content to position themselves as nothing more than the “Party of No,” refusing to participate in the business of governing. They’ve shown no willingness to deal with the challenges that the middle class face, refusing to even come to the bargaining table for fear of giving the President or Democrats in Congress any sort of political victory.

So in steps Sarah Palin.

But here’s the rub. She’s no better than they are. She’s just better with a quote.

Take for example, her speech to the Tea Party convention over the weekend. She took a huge jab at the President, calling him a “charismatic guy with a teleprompter.” Moments later, she had to refer to notes on her hand while recounting her “core principles.”

She mocked the President and the millions of people who voted him into office, asking “How’s that hopey-changey thing working out for you?” What the former Governor fails to recognize is that people are still looking for change from the policies of the last 8 years that created the mess we’re in. And the American people are still filled with hope, and looking for leaders who can inspire it — not mock it.

Sarah Palin is riding a huge wave of publicity right now. She is the face of the Republican Party because no responsible leader has stepped up to the plate. But make no mistake — she’s not in this because of some higher calling or set of core principles. She’s in this for herself. And so far, she’s doing well for herself. But she’s not doing any good for the American people.

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